West Ham skipper Nolan surprised by Cole release

The striker remains a free agent and is currently training with Tottenham.

"Losing Carlton Cole - a big character in the dressing room - was a bit of a surprise but it was a decision the boss had to make. I know the club are working hard to get another striker in but the point is we trust the gaffer to do the right thing after what he has achieved here in such a short space of time," Nolan told the London Evening Standard.